The day had arrived for the cleansing ritual. Vold had explained that it would be arduous, possibly the most painful experience Kagan had ever faced. Yet, it was essential to purge the remnants of his past abuse from his body and unlock his meridians, essential pathways for his magical and physical growth.

In a secluded glade, illuminated by shafts of sunlight piercing through the canopy, Vold began the ritual. She drew intricate symbols in the air, her hands weaving patterns that glowed with a soft, ethereal light.

“Brace yourself, Kagan. This will not be easy,” she warned, her voice echoing slightly in the stillness of the forest.

As Vold’s incantations grew more intense, Kagan felt a burning sensation coursing through his veins. It was as though his very blood was on fire, cleansing his body from the inside out. He gritted his teeth, trying to stay conscious through the excruciating process.

Vold’s expression was one of deep concentration as she continued the ritual, her eyes closed, her chants resonating with the energy of the ancient forest around them. The air seemed to vibrate with the power of her magic.

The pain escalated to an almost unbearable level, causing Kagan to cry out. He felt as if his body was being torn apart and pieced back together, each cell purified and renewed.

“Hold on, Kagan! Let the impurities burn away. Let your body be reborn,” Vold encouraged, her voice strong and unwavering.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the pain subsided. Kagan collapsed to the ground, exhausted but feeling strangely rejuvenated. His body felt lighter, as if a massive weight had been lifted.

Vold knelt beside him, offering a hand to help him up. “You did well, Kagan. Your meridians are clear now. You should feel a significant difference in your abilities.”

Kagan slowly got to his feet, feeling a new surge of energy within him. He opened his system interface, curious to see the changes. The interface had transformed significantly from what it was before.

* Level: 35

* Class: C-Rank (Upgraded from E-Rank)

* Health Points (HP): 3400 (+900)

* Mana Points (MP): 3200 (+1000)

* Strength (STR): 40 (+12)

* Agility (AGI): 37 (+12)

* Intelligence (INT): 42 (+12)

* Skills:

* Magic Missile – Level 12 (Upgraded)

* Shadow Step – Level 10 (Upgraded)

* Dual Casting – Level 7 (Newly Acquired)

* New Skill: Spirit Summon

* New Skill: Heavenly Body

Kagan stared at the interface, his eyes wide. “I... I can't believe this,” he stammered, overwhelmed by the drastic improvement.

Vold peered over his shoulder at the interface. “Heavenly Body? You truly are fortunate, Kagan. That’s a rare gift,” she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. 'But what's with spirit summoning?"

Curious, Kagan focused on the new skill. A moment later, a familiar form materialized beside him. “Lala!” he exclaimed as the little kitten appeared, purring contentedly. “Thought you ran away, girl!”

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Lala nuzzled against his leg, as if she had never left his side. Kagan looked at Vold, a mix of surprise and joy on his face. “I didn’t even know this was possible.”

Vold smiled. “The Tower is full of mysteries. And now, you are better equipped to unravel them. Remember, though, that these abilities are tools. How you use them will define your path.”

Kagan faced Vold, his body pulsing with the fresh flow of mana. It was time to test the extent of his newfound prowess.

"Ready to see what I can do now?" Kagan asked, a spark in his eyes that hadn't been there before.

Vold nodded, her expression one of keen anticipation. "Show me."

As they engaged, Kagan felt an unprecedented rush of energy. Every movement was imbued with a newfound strength and agility. He could almost see the flow of mana around him, guiding his actions.

As they began, Kagan immediately noticed the difference. His movements were quicker, more fluid, and he could sense the mana flowing into each strike, each block. His sword felt alive in his hands, an extension of his will, powered by the clean, potent energy within him.

Vold didn’t hold back, her attacks a series of swift, precise strikes, testing Kagan’s limits. But Kagan was different now; he parried and countered with a newfound agility, his body and mind in perfect synchrony.

“You’re doing well, Kagan,” Vold commented, stepping back for a moment. “You’re taking to this faster than I anticipated.”

Kagan grinned, readying himself for the next round. “Feels like I’ve got a new engine in me.”

They clashed again, swords ringing out in the clear morning air. Kagan used ‘Shadow Step’ to dart around Vold, delivering strikes that were faster and more powerful than before. He felt each movement fueled by the mana around Yggdrasil, as if the ancient tree itself was lending him its strength.

Utilizing his 'Dual Casting' skill, Kagan began to unleash a barrage of 'Magic Missiles'. The air crackled with energy as multiple missiles launched simultaneously, each one humming with potent magic. Vold deftly maneuvered around them, but it was evident that Kagan's control and power had increased manifold.

With each spell cast, Kagan began to glow faintly, a soft white aura enveloping him. It was as if the mana he was channeling resonated with his very being, enhancing not just his magical abilities but also casting a luminous sheen around him.

Vold, while parrying and dodging the magic missiles, noticed a remarkable phenomenon. Gardenias, pure and white, began to bloom around the clearing where Kagan’s feet touched the ground. Their appearance seemed to be tied to his emotional state, a physical manifestation of the memories and feelings he was channeling into his magic.

“Gardenias…” Vold murmured, understanding the significance of these flowers to Kagan.

Kagan, too, noticed the flowers, his expression turning soft for a moment before he refocused on the spar. The beauty of the gardenias contrasted with the intensity of their duel, creating a surreal tableau.

“You’ve tapped into something deep, Kagan,” Vold commented as they took a brief pause. “This mana, it’s not just fueling your magic; it’s intertwining with your emotions, your memories.”

Kagan looked at the blooming flowers, his hands still glowing with residual magic. “It’s like... every part of me is contributing to this. The pain, the love, the loss. It’s all here.”

The training continued, with Kagan moving amidst the gardenias, his sword and magic in harmony. The flowers seemed to flourish with every pulse of magic, a living testament to Kagan’s journey of pain and redemption.

As the session came to an end, Kagan stood amidst a sea of gardenias, their sweet fragrance filling the air. His eyes, now a deeper shade of blue, reflected a mix of sorrow, peace, and newfound strength.

His first step to redemption was upon him. He couldn't help but crack a joke.

But was quickly punched in the ribs.

"Not now, I'm exhausted." Vold spoke with a smile.

"Fine.' he pouted.